Photo: Rasbak, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Perennial honesty: when and how to prune
Lunaria rediviva
Perennial honesty is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | April–June |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Perennial honesty: when to prune it?
In March, before new shoots start to grow; cut the pods in August–September for dried bouquets.
What else to prune in those months? March
Perennial honesty: how to prune it?
- In March, cut last year’s dead stems down to just above the ground.
- Cut stems with ripe pods for dried bouquets once the pods have turned papery.
- Remove yellowing or damaged leaves in summer.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Perennial honesty flowers in April–June, when it attracts bees.
- If you only cut back in March, the old stems stand through the winter: insects overwinter in them and birds eat the seeds.
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Perennial honesty · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.